Aston Villa’s start to the new campaign has been impressive, showcasing their resilience and determination. Despite the added challenge of participating in Champions League football, the team has suffered only one defeat across all competitions so far. This weekend, under the strategic guidance of Unai Emery, Villa secured a 3-1 victory against Fulham, with several players delivering standout performances.
On the scoresheet for Villa were Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins, and a notable own goal from Fulham’s Issa Diop, resulting from a well-placed cross by Lucas Digne. While these players received well-deserved praise, former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor highlighted another standout performer who has been pivotal to the team’s success.
Aston Villa’s recruitment efforts have been commendable, both prior to Emery’s tenure and during it. Among Emery’s most significant signings is Youri Tielemans, who joined the club on a free transfer last summer from Leicester City, a team that had just been relegated. Tielemans has quickly established himself as one of Villa’s most valuable players this season, especially following the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus, which placed additional responsibilities on him in the midfield.
With Luiz’s departure, Tielemans was entrusted with set-piece duties, a role he embraced fully. His corner kick assisted Ollie Watkins in scoring a crucial goal that brought Villa ahead 2-1 against Fulham, highlighting Tielemans’ impact on the game. Agbonlahor recognized Tielemans’ contributions by including him in his Premier League Team of the Week and labeling him Villa’s standout player this season. “For me, he has been Aston Villa’s player of the season,” Agbonlahor remarked. “In both the Champions League and Premier League, he consistently delivers an eight out of ten performance every match. He’s composed on the ball, passes effectively, and contributes defensively as well.”
Tielemans’ form has been nothing short of exceptional, and his statistics reflect that. Despite a midfield characterized by injuries and rotations, Tielemans has maintained a high level of performance. Key players like Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn have faced prolonged absences, which has increased the burden on Tielemans. Nevertheless, he has excelled, emerging as one of the best-performing midfielders in the Premier League.
His defensive contributions are particularly noteworthy, as he has won 15 tackles this season, an impressive feat considering his technical style of play. Tielemans has demonstrated that he can excel not only with his creative passing but also in defensive situations, solidifying his value to the team. Aston Villa’s reliance on him in a challenging midfield environment has only highlighted his skills and adaptability.
In summary, Youri Tielemans has proven to be a crucial asset for Aston Villa this season. His ability to perform consistently at a high level amidst challenges showcases not just his talent, but also his importance to the squad’s overall success. As Villa continues its campaign, fans will undoubtedly look to Tielemans to lead the charge in both domestic and European competitions.